The Twin Thrones

It’s strange the thoughts and memories that rise to the surface of your mind when you think something bad is going to happen to you.

When those bastards brought him to this sparse room filled with chairs and strange-shaped pegs lining three walls, Kato felt a surge of adrenaline and an intense desire to see his grandfather. It was stupid. He thought he was going to be tortured and yet he found himself missing his grandfather.

He was pushed down against a wooden chair so hard his teeth clattered. He was pretty certain they weren’t going to kill him, but it brought little comfort. When the room filled with two more really large men, Kato’s mind urged him to retreat somewhere else. He remembered the first time he went hunting with his grandfather.

They spent hours searching for the three things that all animals need: cover, shelter and food. It was monotonous and tiring traipsing through four feet high grass while dragging gear that weighed almost as much as he did. He was excited when his grandfather showed him his first animal track. They were careful to stay downwind. They found droppings and more tracks. They settled behind the blind and waited. Kato remembered the cool air against his face, the faint scent of musk and early morning. He missed the electric feel of pinching, stinging ants running the length of his body, the light sweat that dusted the fine hairs on his arms and legs like a cooling mist but mostly he missed the comfort of his grandfather’s presence.

He wasn’t able to stay in the memory long, but it helped him deal with the fear. He was learning to find comfort in the smallest of things: like a soft look, a warm embrace, and even a well-timed pat on the back.

He needed all of those things without the words of comfort that would ring hollow with him now. Noberu surprised him by forcing everyone out of the room, drawing Kato into his arms and just holding him. The next time Kato was frozen from fear, would his mind wander to this memory?

Kato tightened his thin arms around Noberu and squeezed his eyes shut, smoothing his face against the firm chest while the faint scent of sweat and heat filled his senses. Was the man's chest always so wide and hot? Kato was breathing loudly, shuddering and not liking the way his legs trembled. It was comforting to know the man wouldn't let him fall.

They were alone in the room, only occasional footsteps and raised voices could be heard through the door of the cloak room. It was easy shutting out the noise around him. The strong steady thumping of Noberu's heart quieted his own. God, he was an idiot. He was dreading this moment.

"Kid," Noberu's rough voice echoed deep within his chest and sounded full and rich against Kato's ear. "I need to know what happened."

So much for Noberu letting Kato tell him in his own time. Kato steeled himself for the lie. He knew he should tell the man about the video footage, about the threats, about his fears, but he knew this was the best way to protect the two men he loved. He pulled away from Noberu, knowing he had to face the man. He shouldn't have let Noberu see how shaky and afraid he'd been. It was going to make this more difficult to pull off.

He willed heat to fill his face and felt nothing. This was the first time Kato could remember needing to blush and not being able to. He had to look embarrassed at being caught having a liaison with the blonde he just met. He shouldn't have let Noberu hug him.

Okay, he was going to have to work harder. Kato searched his memory for something that made him feel embarrassed. He'd go with shame, too. He closed his eyes while he remembered delicate long fingers wrapped around his dick, long strokes that twisted at the wide head, growing slick with precum. He remembered how he fought to keep the pleasure from filling his throat and slithering through moist lips. He could still see the shock and disappointment in Noberu's eyes. The man's gaze wandered down and widened as the lean arm jerked even faster.

Kato's stomach rolled.

This wasn't working. He needed some memory that had nothing to do with Shinko or Noberu.

Kato purposely thought of the embarrassment he felt when his physician and the man's assistant were staring at Kato's crotch earlier today. He imagined the cold man's hands parting his legs and faint breath against his delicate parts. It only made him feel sick. Shit. His brain scrambled while he struggled to keep his expression clear. The concern filling Noberu's face wasn't helping. He needed more space. Kato pulled away from Noberu, while the big man frowned.

Damn. Why did he have to find him like this? Kato counted on being able to sneak back into the party. He planned on telling everyone he needed a bathroom break and didn't want to be escorted to take a piss. It would have worked if those bastards had let him leave just a few minutes earlier.

A couple of feet separated them. Another thought made him feel worse. Noberu would believe him because Kato had been an ungrateful ass. He'd think less of Kato now. Maybe he already did. It hurt to think that, but it was for the best. That is what Kato kept telling himself while he watched Noberu warily. He'd been silent too long because Kato could see the muscles jumping in the big man's cheeks while his legs twitched. Any minute he would pull Kato into his arms again.

And Kato would let him.

"It's not what you think," Kato said, stalling. What did the big man think? Damn. He shouldn't have said that first. Kato glanced at the chairs behind them and started walking. The floor was smooth and worn. Kato's shoes made soft sounds of creaking leather. Too quickly he reached a seat. He felt his butt hit the seat and it stung. Kato flinched.

"You're going to be mad at me," whispered his throat suddenly dry and sore.

He couldn’t quite bring himself to say he slipped away to bang some blonde. A room full of people saw him dancing with her, putting his hands in places that made her blush and tremble. Obviously, none of that was real, but no one else had to know that.

Kato thought about appearances. He was last seen with the blonde he was found alone with. He looked unharmed. Only his shirt had been damaged. It was stupid, but he was young. It would be believed. The blonde would corroborate the story. Noberu and his detail would be blamed. He could already hear his father. They'd can the big man. Kato took a deep breathe. He had to do this. “I-” Kato started but was interrupted.

"This isn't your fault," Noberu argued with a soft voice.

Noberu eased himself over to Kato, moving slowly while watching Kato. His eyes were warm and Kato liked the stubble dusting the bigger man's chin and cheeks. How long had they kept Kato? It felt like forever, but he was never good at keeping track of time. Kato looked down into his feet. He felt the big man's thigh touching his own and was comforted. Kato took a deep breath but was cut off by Noberu's angry words, "We both know who's at fault."

Kato blinked, a small worry growing in the pit of his stomach. This couldn't be about Redaku. Everything would unravel and they'd be shouting at each other for all the wrong reasons. Kato was picking at his torn lapel in rough jerky movements. He forced himself to be calm. He concentrated on the cool wood under his rear and the smooth fabric between his fingertips and then talked into his chest, "She was pretty." Out of the corner of his eyes, he could see Noberu leaning back slightly in his chair and winced when it creaked loudly.

"The blonde?"

He didn't trust his voice, so he gave the big man a sharp nod. Noberu made a disgusted sound from the back of his throat. Kato looked up briefly and didn't like the way Noberu's eyes narrowed.

"You expect me to believe you sneaked out during a global event - to get some?" Noberu snorted, shaking his head. He leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. Kato had never seen the man purse his lips until now. His lips were fuller but not feminine at all. It made the man look younger.

"I'm not a woman," Kato said coolly, still staring at the man's lips. He moved his eyes up and felt his brow dropping. Kato couldn't do embarrassment but he was good with anger. He tried to sit back in his seat and had to bite back a whimper. His ass still hurt.

"I know that," Noberu said carefully, watching Kato squirm. "You're also not stupid and it would be stupid to tell your father and the Kitsurin family you were fucking some blonde, especially when we both know you weren't,” the big man’s voice was harsh.

Kato surprised himself with an actual growl. He sneered and put a roughness into his voice he didn't feel. "You know I have needs. I'm not married yet." He stood shakily and crossed his arms. Sitting was too much of a distraction. He moved a few steps away and leaned against the wall. "I have a dick, too," Kato grumbled, settling himself against the wall.

The big man chuckled. His eyes were warm and amused. His lips curled and he said in a voice that was far too amused for Kato's taste, "I know."

Kato glared, refusing to be baited, even though the blush was moving to his ears now. How could he forget dangling over the man's shoulders while he was swallowed whole? His cock jumped and he twitched all over. What the hell was wrong with him? Noberu stared at Kato expectantly and his eyes drifted to the empty chair next to him and then back to Kato. Kato glared harder.

Did he ever have control when it came to Noberu?

The man sobered quickly. Kato heard him sigh and watched the man's shoulder droop. "Kid, I have a pretty good idea what happened," he paused watching Kato chew on his lower lip. Kato dropped his eyes. "Were you hurt," Noberu paused, "Physically?" He sounded relieved when Kato shook his head. "Sexually?" This time Kato hesitated before he shook his head.

The big man's arms were wrapped around Kato far tighter than before. He hadn't heard the chair creak. He didn't hear footsteps. Kato didn't even jerk in surprise. He liked being in the big man's arms.

"Gods, I'm so sorry, Kato," the man whispered over Kato's head. "What did they do?"

Jerking away, Kato hit his head on the peg behind him and winced. He pushed against Noberu's hard chest and the man released him. "What? Nothing," he choked out. Kato had to think about it for a second. The man had said “they.” He felt the color drain from his face. "There were no they. No…just, just her," he stuttered. Great. Really convincing.

"This was well-planned. My entire team was distracted until it was too late. They were even kind enough to give you a cover story,” Noberu said angrily. He glanced over at the chairs. “There are three chairs, kid," he turned and watched Kato's eyes as they counted each chair. "You're well trained enough one little girl couldn't have dragged you off. I know she had help."

Did he really expect to lie to the man and have him believe him? Noberu was here as his chief bodyguard for a reason. How was Kato supposed to protect the man if Noberu wouldn’t let him? Things could have been worse for him. He knew that, they made that very clear. The last thing Kato needed was another examination. If he couldn't convince Noberu, this one would be a hell of a lot more invasive. Kato wanted to leave. He did not want to do this now or ever.

"Did someone...penetrate you?" Noberu asked with a grimace.

"God, no!"

"Then why..." Noberu was reaching for him again and Kato didn't want to be touched.

He moved away from the big man, forcing himself against the wall. A sharp peg bit into his shoulder blade and he bit back a whine. Noberu hadn't scared him for a long while. He knew his fear was irrational; Noberu would never hurt him like that. His mouth felt like cotton and he could hear his quickened heartbeat in his ears, rushing faster and faster, nearly drowning out all sound. Kato shook himself. If Noberu would just get out of his way, he wouldn't feel like screaming.

"Kato..." The big man was reaching for him again.

He wanted to say that nothing happened, but Kato wasn't thinking anymore. "That asshole shoved his hand down my pants," Kato hissed, pushing away Noberu's wide hands. "Stop it!" Kato yelled, panting. Noberu withdrew his hands, looking angrier.

Only the sound of Kato’s heavy breathing could be heard above the occasional distinct sounds of feet and voices. Noberu didn't seem to know what to do with his hands. He backed off a little farther and Kato could breathe a little easier.

Noberu's wide hand covered his forehead. He closed his eyes and squeezed his temples. "I failed you," the man murmured. He peeked through his fingers and stared at Kato. "I shouldn't have left you," the big man said in a sigh. The man dropped his eyes and used his strong fingers to put pressure on his eyelids.

Kato was staring at the fingers massaging the man's temples now. They were thick and long, much like the rest of Noberu. Reliable. Sturdy. Kato chewed his lower lip. He shifted when he realized his shoulder still hurt. He eased off of the peg. Kato wanted to tell Noberu he didn't blame him. He knew the big guy cared about him. He knew the man had to have a good reason for leaving him, but he couldn't bring himself to say anything. Some part of Kato did blame him. He was angry at Noberu. It was irrational. He followed the blonde. He did that, not Noberu.

"Kid, I know you love the old man, but he's going back to Radekoun tonight," the big man said, raising his hand when Kato started to open his mouth, "If he stays, I will kill him."

Both of Kato's eyebrows rose in shock. What the hell was he talking about? Was Noberu being cruel? Was he punishing him? Did Noberu know he followed the blonde? Kato couldn't remember his mouth ever feeling so dry. He had to clear his throat a couple of times before he could choke out, "Are...are you punishing me?"

"What?" And now the man looked as miserable as Kato felt. "No," Noberu murmured, shaking his head. "I'm sorry." He looked like he meant it. "The man is reckless and that makes him dangerous. Maybe he really thinks he's protecting you," the big man shrugged and didn't even bother to try to look convinced.

Why were they talking about this? Kato couldn't let Noberu send the older man back. He just knew something bad would happen to Redaku and it would be Kato's fault. "I don’t understand,” Kato murmured, his face crumbling. “I'm sure if I talked to him, he'd back off," Kato said lamely.

"No," Noberu said firmly, while shaking his head. "You know he can't be trusted."

"I need him," Kato’s voice throbbed while his eyes were becoming glassy. He promised himself he would not cry. What was wrong with him? He tightened his hands into fists. He didn't want to beg either. Redaku was family. Didn’t he have enough taken from him?

"Kid," Noberu said gently. He reached for Kato's arm and pulled him away from the wall. Kato let himself be led back to the chairs. He didn’t struggle or cry out when the big man settled Kato on his lap with Kato facing the wall. Noberu sighed, pulling Kato tightly against his chest. He wrapped his arms around Kato’s thin chest. “I wish we could stay like this….”

“What did he do this time,” Kato asked quietly. He wanted to get this over with. He didn’t turn to face the big man. Straddling the big man’s lap would bring back memories that Kato didn’t want to associate with this moment.

It was unnerving feeling Noberu tremble. It was faint, but Kato could feel it. Kato looked up and leaned slightly to the right. “Caveman?”

The man paused, studying Kato’s features.

"Kid, he's the reason you were taken. The reason you were threatened. The reason you were…molested."

Kato went rigid, his eyes narrowing. There was no fucking way the older man would ever let anyone do that to him. “That’s a damn lie,” Kato said his voice trembling with the effort to hold still. “Let me go.”

Noberu tightened around him. “Not until you’ve heard what I have to say.”

Kato was vaguely aware that Noberu’s shirt sleeve had a slight metallic taste to it. He didn’t like the way it rubbed against his nose. He bit down harder as he struggled to get loose. He wasn’t listening to this shit. Noberu was not sending the only family he had away from him. He didn’t care what the man did.

His legs were wrapped up in Noberu’s thicker legs and Kato couldn’t feel his arms anymore. He didn’t release his hold on Noberu’s arm even though his teeth throbbed. A faint, forgotten memory surfaced. He remembered straddling Noberu, rubbing against him. No, fighting him. He remembered filling his mouth with the man’s chest, his teeth struggling to draw even more flesh into his mouth. The taste of salt and iron filling his mouth made him jerk.

Was this really a memory? Who goes around chewing on people? Twice? Of course, it wasn’t enough to make him want to let go.

He could hear Noberu pleading with him, his voice sounding tinny and too far away. Except this part wasn’t a memory. Noberu was pleading with him, now, grunting with the effort. What finally got his attention was the strain and fire building in his chest. He had his face buried so far into the man’s arm, he couldn't breathe well.

“Please, kid, stop struggling. I don’t want to hurt you,” he grunted as Kato released his arm, and sucked in a deep breath. “But you have to listen.” Noberu moved Kato around until he sat sideways in his lap. He used one of his massive legs to hold Kato’s together, pressed tightly between his own. He used one arm to hold Kato’s arms to his sides. “I have no reason to lie to you. You know this."

“Fine,” Kato groaned through throbbing teeth. “But fucking. Let. Me Go,” Kato panted with each word.

Noberu pulled Kato away from his body just far enough to peer into his face, still careful of Kato’s teeth. “Do I need to get your physician, kid?” He gripped Kato’s chin tightly, keeping his thick fingers angled down and away for protection. “Do you need to be sedated?”

Stupid ass. “No,” Kato grumbled, glaring. “I’m listening.” Kato took an unsteady breath.

The man caressed Kato’s chin with thick fingers. Kato was still glaring. He wasn’t going to bite him. Again. Kato chewed his lower lip until the man’s thick thumb followed the plump line of Kato’s lower lip. Kato frowned. Was he trying to seduce him or make him yield? Sometimes he didn’t understand Noberu. Eye contact was too intimate for Kato so he dropped his eyes.

"Redaku’s benefactor wanted you alone, so he distracted me. Like an ass, I fell for it," the man finished, shaking his head. He dropped his hand and looked at Kato sadly. “Redaku knew what they wanted and he still helped them. He wants you broken, so you will do what you’re told…for your own safety.”

A month ago Kato would have continued to bite and claw at the man until he could get free enough to deck him, but Kato had weeks of listening to Redaku belittle him and put him in his “place.” He believed Noberu.

And it hurt. It hurt worse than all of the times Kato was disappointed in his father.

Did the man change overnight? Did spending nearly two decades listening to Kato’s father change him? Maybe he never knew the real Redaku? And yet Kato had a lifetime of gentle looks, caring and encouraging words from a man he thought of as an uncle. Kato still wanted him around. The man’s presence wasn’t a comfort like his grandfather’s had been, but it helped.

“I don’t want-,” Kato whined but was interrupted by Noberu gripping his chin almost painfully.

“He goes,” Noberu said gruffly.

Kato tried to shake his head but had to settle for a pathetic growl. It was more of a groan. The man’s fingers were starting to hurt his jaw. When he got the chance, Kato was taking a finger. Kato set his jaw against the resistance and ignored the ache. His nostrils flared with each angry breath. This time he growled. He was trying to communicate how much he loathed the man right now.

Couldn’t his damn caveman see how much the idea of sending the older man away hurt Kato? Why was he being so stubborn? Redaku had nothing to gain. Why couldn’t Noberu see that? He could admit that Redaku’s way of protecting him was pretty fucked up, but he didn’t turn Kato into a girl. Okay, some guy did stuff to him and it was scary, but he wasn’t broken. Having ovaries, carrying babies – that was fucked up.

"Why?” Kato said managed through his teeth. “Why are you doing this to me?"

The big man released his jaw. The anger seemed to drain out of him. Kato felt his legs being released and Noberu shifted him so they were nearly facing each other. The big man held him gently in his arms now. His eyes held a soft look when he murmured, "I care about you. I won't let anyone hurt you again," he promised, moving several of Kato's persistent curls from Kato's face.

Kato’s jaw dropped. "You're sending him away because you care about me?" Noberu nodded at him. How fucked up was that?

"Yes, to protect you," Noberu said wryly, his lips twisting sardonically, “It is my job, Kato.”

The man was not going to change his mind. Fine. Another thought had Kato’s heart stumbling. “What will you tell my father?”

“The truth.”

Kato gasped. “You can’t. Father will kill him.” Kato was clinging to Noberu's shoulders. He'd shake the man, but Noberu was too damn big.

The ass just shrugged. He really didn’t care.

And then Kato thought of something that might appeal to Noberu. “What will King Yoshi do if they learn Redaku was meddling in Ascension? He's here as a representative of my father. If something happens to him, they’ll be an investigation. The UP won’t want the publicity.”

“You were molested!" Kato felt the wide hands squeeze his hips. Noberu's eyes were wide. "He doesn’t get a pass on this.”

“Don’t be naïve,” Kato barked. "Some asshole touching me isn’t worth the fallout and you know it. We tell everyone I wandered off to do some blonde. After all the crap that everyone has been saying about me, they’ll believe anything.”

Noberu stared at him in disbelief. "You want your father to think you're a whore?" What kind of question was that? Kato shrugged. His father would think whatever he wanted to. It’s not like he ever had the man’s respect. Would Kato have ovaries if he had?

When Noberu's wide fingers touched his lapel, Kato looked down. Thick fingers followed the seam, stopping at the torn fabric. "So you'll tell everyone this was how your shirt was torn?" The man asked in a whisper. Kato nodded. "They’ll say you like it rough," Noberu added as Kato rolled his eyes. “Some will say you met a man and took it up the ass.”

Like that wasn’t going to happen after Ascension? Kato snorted.

“They might, but I was last seen dry humping that blonde,” Kato said blandly. Those bastards really thought of everything. “Father will believe it. I was pissed at King Yoshi,” Kato said with pursed lips, remembering the smug look on the man’s face after having bested Kato tonight. “He’d probably believe I did it to get back at him. No one has to be hurt,” Kato breathed into Noberu’s face, his lips nearly touching the big man.

It was going to hard facing both his father and King Yoshi. He’d do it to protect the two people he loved. He lived with the palace gossip his entire life. So much of the talk was fueled by comments taken out of context, half truths and stupid things that staff kept seeing. Why would this be any different? At least this time his slutty behavior was with a female instead of the males around him. He had a dick. It was time people remembered that. Kato wanted to cringe. Tomorrow news cast would probably report Kato was having King Yoshi’s baby anyway. Kato being a slut wasn’t going to be news.

Noberu nodded with a speculative look on his face. “Redaku still goes,” he said firmly.

Kato nodded even though he wanted to yell and pop the man in the face. He was as stubborn as Noberu. He might be able to change the big man’s mind in a few months, maybe sooner. For now it was for the best.

Everything would hinge on people believing Kato managed to slip away from his entire well-trained detail. Noberu would be a laughing stock. Would the man really be willing to put up with it just for Kato?

“You lost me. How will this affect you?" Kato asked, worry coloring his voice. He was losing Redaku. He didn't want Noberu to be sent away, too. He just couldn't have sex with the man again. They made that clear. How they knew what he and Noberu had done worried Kato. One thing at a time. "I don’t want you to get in trouble."

"I'm a big boy." He grinned. "Besides it’s not like that little blonde could get you pregnant."

Kato’s jaw dropped for the second time tonight. “That’s not funny.” His eyes widened when the man’s lips lightly touched Kato’s own. The man was still grinning and Kato forgot about that smile. He'd seen it in the video footage. The man had a great smile. Kato realized he couldn't be silent about everything. "They have cameras," he blurted out.

"Who," the big man asked, frowning, before understanding lit his eyes. Kato was hoping he didn't have to say much more. "What did they show you?"

He had no control over the way his face turned bright pink. He wondered if it ever spread to his eyes. Could his eyes blush? Kato groaned deep inside. He did not want to talk to Noberu about this, but this was serious. Noberu needed to know they were under surveillance; everything he'd done with Noberu could be used against them, too. Kato dropped his eyes briefly so he could find his voice. "...when Shinko came to my room...," he murmured and looked up, meeting the man's eyes. "And us."

It was brief, barely there, but he saw something he couldn't identify in Noberu's eyes. The man's body grew stiff. He schooled his face to blankness and Kato wondered if he should be really worried.

"Anything else," Noberu asked stiffly.

It was easy to drop his eyes as if in embarrassment. Kato lied by shaking his head no. He knew Noberu was sending Redaku back to his father, a lamb to slaughter. Kato wasn't a fool. His father was ruthless enough to murder his own child, harming a friend meant nothing. If they knew Redaku was meeting with other people Kato didn't recognize, they'd do anything to get the information they needed.

Someone knocked on the door and Kato felt a quick, unpleasant stab of adrenaline. He leaped away from Noberu, stopping when Noberu told his men to give them a minute.

“You should let them in.”

Noberu studied him for a moment and then stood. “Are you going to be okay?”

Kato smiled weakly. “I will be.”

____________________________________________________________________

When the kid blurted out "They have cameras," Noberu felt himself still. "Who," he asked, frowning and then he understood. "What did they show you?"

The kid seemed even more reluctant to talk about this than when he admitted he was molested. When Noberu saw the blush, he felt relieved. It couldn't be that bad. The kid's voice and eyes dropped as the kid murmured "...when Shinko came to my room...," and Noberu's heart nearly stopped.

He didn't install surveillance cameras until recently. Someone else installed the camera that picked up Kato and Shinko fucking. It burned him. He couldn't even protect the moment when the kid lost his virginity. They would have to sweep everything. Every fucking place. Even then they were compromised. His heart was starting to race and he had to fight to keep his breathing even.

Noberu almost missed the kid saying, "And us," with even more embarrassment than before. He met the kid's eyes and realized they were both afraid. If they sent him away, who could Kato trust? Who would put the kid first, who would love him and cherish him?

The kid saw. He saw the anger. He saw the fear even if he didn't understand it. The kid didn't know Noberu's surveillance cameras weren't set up back then. He didn't know that Redaku most likely helped set up the cameras and was using them for his own purposes. He quickly schooled his eyes clear and his face blank.

"Anything else," he asked stiffly.

The kid's eyes dropped and he shook his head. Someone knocked on the door. Kato jumped as if hit with low voltage and flung himself away from Noberu. The rapping at the door surprised him, too.

“You should let them in.”

He watched the kid carefully. He was certain Kato was still hiding a few things from him. Most likely something with Redaku, but he let it go for now.

The kid wouldn’t talk until he was ready to. He was stubborn and angry. For someone who looked so small and slight and acted submissive in the sack, the kid had a hell of a temper. Having the kid sink his sharp little teeth into him twice now pissed Noberu off. He studied the kid carefully. His face was pale and his hands trembled a little. He looked like he was going to be sick. Noberu was worried a lot more had happened than what the kid was willing to share.

“Are you going to be okay?”

Kato tried to smile, but his voice shook just a little when he murmured, “I will be.”

It didn’t take much to convince the kid to follow Basang for transport while Noberu contacted King Miyazaki. The man insisted on a conference this evening before Kato retired for the night. He wanted to see that his son was fine with his own eyes. The search was called off and each chief bodyguard of the Kitsurin royal family was notified that a debriefing was scheduled for eight the following morning.

Basang rode with the kid and most of the detail back to the palace. Noberu and Rato followed. Noberu used the time to arrange for Redaku's return trip home. He wanted the man gone tonight, but transport was difficult to book with so many traveling because of the Kitsurin holiday. Noberu grudgingly admitted it would be good for the kid to say goodbye. If Noberu has his way, this would be the last time the kid saw the older man.

“What did the blonde say?” Noberu asked, knowing it would be the same crap Kato tried with him.

Rato loosened the strap on the holster of his service weapon. At some point he had lost his jacket and Noberu hadn’t noticed. The big man smelled strange, unpleasant. Noberu hadn’t noticed that until now either. Rato frowned. “The blonde said she and the kid sneaked off to fuck.”

Noberu grunted.

“You’re not pissed off?” The man was shaking his head. “I saw the kid’s face. He was scared.” He rubbed the stubble on the side of his head. “It’s bullshit,” he said angrily.

"What? It’s not a coincidence I wasn’t there or our plants in the crowd were boxed in or that the crowd noise and that fucking fish,” Noberu ground his teeth together, “Helped the kid get lost in the crowd?” Noberu said blandly. “I’m sure it was purely an accident the kid’s tracker was disabled.”

Rato nodded. “Where the fuck were you?”

Noberu sighed. He was making a lot mistakes. “With that old man.”

Rato nodded again. It sounded like he was humming. He wrapped his big hand around his jaw and pushed his jaw to one side and then to the other after each made a loud cracking sound. He twisted his head to the side and was rewarded by two distinct cracks.

“Where the fuck were you?” Noberu asked, his head angled to the side to watch the man’s dark eyes.

“Drowning in fish guts and puke. Jacket's a loss," he cleared his throat and looked down at his pants. "I'll think I got crap in my,” he said with grimace, his nostrils flaring, “Shoes. I don't do bodily fluids," he growled.

“And Basang?” Noberu asked.

“Took a glass to the back of his head after some blonde fell on his face. Freak accident. He’ll be picking out broken glass for a while.” Rato checked his service weapon and picked off a few flecks of something pink and orange. He grimaced. “What did they do to the kid?” He asked not looking up.

“Scared him,” Noberu murmured. Rato nodded, returning his weapon and snapping it in place. Noberu didn’t have to think about it when he said, “Threatened what he values the most. I don’t know what they really want. Convincing Shinko to take the throne, even handing it to him, is an awful lot of effort without getting much back.”

Both planets had a counsel or governing body elected to assist each monarch though King Miyazaki had more interference to deal with. There were only a handful of ways to garner the power to really control commerce of the Twin Thrones.

The man was running his tongue along the edge of his teeth. Rato stared out of the darkened windows of the transport. “This wormhole means money, power for anyone willing to do what it takes to control it. We should follow the money,” Rato said as he glanced over at Noberu. “The kid trusts you. I’d want you out of the way.”

Noberu's lips twisted. “The kid tried to lie to me - gave me the cover story,” he murmured, "Doesn't trust me that well."

Rato shrugged. "Maybe that's his way of protecting you?"

Noberu looked at him sharply. He wasn't sure if he should feel hopeful or worried. He wanted the kid to trust him enough to tell him what actually happened. In a weird way, it might help their relationship. Noberu needed to make several things clear about their relationship and how things had to work. This would be easier if Kato was a little older and had more experience – with everything.

His ears popped a little when the transport doors started to open. He hadn't realized he had lapsed into silence. Rato was looking at him like he had something else to say, but the man just shrugged and left to check the software and equipment for the conference with King Miyazaki. Noberu found Kato quickly. They were sitting in the small conference room less than twenty minutes later. Rato stepped out, standing guard just outside the door.

It was late.

King Yoshi was dressed in grey, loose-fitting leisurewear. Relief filled his face the minute he saw Kato. He sagged in his chair, as he exhaled a single long breath.

"Did they hurt you," King Miyazaki asked, glancing at Noberu. "Are they in custody?"

The kid's head hit the table in front of himself. "You didn't tell him anything?" Kato groaned, glancing through his hair at Noberu. Noberu wanted to smile. He urged Kato on with his hand. The kid slipped his delicate hands under his face and started to massage his temples.

"Father," was muffled by Kato's hands. He raised his face. Noberu wasn't shocked at how tired the kid looked. "It was a misunderstanding. There was this blonde..."

Miyazaki frowned. Noberu shrugged when the older man glanced at him. This man wasn't stupid. This was not going to be pleasant for the kid, for either of them. "You were not taken?" Miyazaki leaned back in his chair. The leather creaked. "You – left?"

"Yes," was barely audible.

"Do your ovaries kill brain cells?" The tall lanky monarch asked icily. He spread his hands out in front of himself on the tabletop, hands flat on the surface. He clapped his hands against the cool surface of the black table twice. The kid jerked. "Or have you lost your mind?"

The kid scowled. "That's not fair father."

"If this becomes public, you jeopardize everything. It proves that you cannot be trusted to make decisions for yourself." The man looked coolly at Noberu. "The UP will look like fools who cannot control a hormone-crazed teenager."

The kid cringed.

"You both disappoint me." The kid seemed to shrink into himself. What they hell did they do to the kid? Why was Kato just sitting meekly, taking it? Noberu shook his head. "I think it's time we find another detail to protect you, Kato," Miyazaki 's voice trembled. "Your services are no longer required, Mr. Haitatsu."

"What? No," the kid breathed. He shook his head. "You've made every decision for me. You don't get to decide this, too."

"Kato, I will not-"

The kid drew himself up. He stood glaring at his father. He pointed at the man and growled, "Just shut up for once and listen to me! I've done everything you've told me to. I have tried so hard to make you proud of me, to make you love me," Kato voice sobbed though his eyes were dry. "I'm a disappointment to you?"

The kid's voice was steadily growing louder. Miyazaki 's eyes were wide. He sat frozen. Kato was breathing harshly.

Miyazaki 's voice was calm even though his hands trembled slightly, "You are overly excited. You need to sit down and calm yourself, Kato. This behavior is not appropriate for a prince." He glanced at Noberu. "Doctor Bankuson will be available. Maybe a sedative would be helpful?"

The laugh was harsh, sounding bitter. "I have fucking ovaries," the kid shrieked. "I'm sorry I look like mother. I’m sorry grandfather is broken. I'm sorry you killed your first born. I'm sorry I never did anything right. You should be happy. You got rid of me. You took everything away from me. You're not taking," Kato looked over at Noberu, "him away, too." The kid's hands were curling into fists. His face was red and pinched.

"Kato, sit down," Miyazaki said harshly. He pointed at Kato's chair. His tone was clear. He was a man accustomed to getting his way in all things.

"I'm done trying to make you happy." The kid moved away from the long table. He gripped his chair and threw it into the table. Noberu felt the table rock. Kato moved to the door. "Don't try to take him away," Kato said quietly. The threat was left implied. The kid met his father's shocked expression with cool reserve.

Noberu's mouth was hanging open. What the hell?

Kato stomped to the door and turned back, his face red and his eyes narrowed to slits. His eyes left his father’s face and slowly moved to Noberu’s. In challenge, Kato said clearly without anger or fear, “And I'll stick my dick where the hell I want to." The door slammed behind Kato. Noberu could hear yelling trailing away from them. He knew the kid would be fine with Rato escorting him back to his rooms.

Where in the hell did that come from?

"He loves you," King Miyazaki muttered in shock, his face pale. "You bastard. What did you do to my son?"

Noberu's eyes returned to the screen. He eyed Miyazaki in disgust. "You gave him ovaries," Noberu said reasonably. "You killed his sister. You've lied to him his entire life." Noberu shook his head and gave the man a wry smile, "I can see why you're bitter."

"You don't know what the hell you're talking about." Miyazaki crossed his arms to hide his shaking hands.

Noberu simply stared, raising one eyebrow. He settled back in his chair.

Miyazaki took a shaky breath. He covered his face with his hands. "He hates me," the older man mumbled. His hair fell forward, hiding his features completely.

It was probably a rhetorical question, but Noberu felt the need to answer. "Yes." He watched the man jerk as if Noberu had hit him. It was actually kind of satisfying.

"Maybe it's hormones."

"No," Noberu said, his face flat and his tone dry.

"You really are a bastard," Miyazaki said without heat.

The older man pulled himself together. He dropped his hands. He smoothed his hair away from his face. Color filled his cheeks though his eyes still looked troubled. His hands rested on the table in front of himself. He twined his fingers together, tapping them lightly. “As much as I dislike you this minute, I know your reputation. I find it highly unlikely Kato could sneak off without a great deal of assistance. Who took Kato and what did they do to him?"

Noberu never promised to lie for the old man. He was only concerned about the kid's safety. He paused trying to decide what could be gained by withholding some information right now.

"He hasn't said much. He's stubborn. He has been adamant about using the cover story they provided,” Noberu said. Miyazaki nodded. “Your advisor helped distract me. My team has been studied. Their weaknesses exploited," Noberu said watching as the Miyazaki stared off into space, as if in thought. The man continued to tap his fingers against the tops of both hands. "They had a large team. I wouldn't be surprised if they compromised Citadel security."

Miyazaki 's eyes returned to Noberu. His fingers stopped moving. "There was a second assassination attempt. It’s been kept quiet. Poison this time. My luck will run out before too long," he chuckled.

Neither was surprised. It was clear a power play was being made on Radekoun. Noberu made a decision he knew the kid would hate him for.

"I'm sending Redaku back to you tomorrow morning. Perhaps he can be persuaded," he paused, pursing his lips, as if in thought, “With appropriate encouragement to share what he's learned while spying on the Kitsurins,” he rolled his eyes as if thought, “before he handed Kato to the wolves.”

The older man nodded. "That can be arranged,” Miyazaki agreed. “I think that would be appropriate with recent,” his left eye twitched, “Circumstances.”

Noberu bared his teeth. He almost wished he could be there, but Kato was his priority.

They stood. Miyazaki leaned forward, hands splayed across the black surface of his desk, like a sleek cat ready to pounce on its next meal. “Hurt my son and you’ll die screaming,” he said firmly, without emotion.

Noberu’s teeth looked sharp and too white against his tan skin. The old man was beginning to grow on him.

“Wouldn’t have it any other way,” Noberu chuckled.